Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK vs ZXing
ZXing is a free, open-source barcode library that is no longer actively maintained in its original Java implementation. Scanbot SDK is a commercial ZXing alternative that offers fast and reliable barcode scanning plus enterprise support.
Trusted by
400+
global
industry leaders
Key differences
Here are the main considerations for choosing the right mobile barcode scanning software.
Scanning capabilities & performance
ZXing is a popular open-source library for barcode generation and scanning. While it has been around for a long time, it can struggle in challenging cases such as damaged, blurry, or low-lit barcodes. It delivers only basic scanning out of the box.
Scanbot SDK is a commercial SDK that offers various data capture solutions. This includes barcode scanning software. The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK offers advanced modes like Find & Pick or Scan & Count, plus AR overlays for a better user experience. It is optimized for real-world environments and works fully offline.
Developer experience & ease of integration
While ZXing is relatively easy to set up for basic barcode scanning, it requires more manual work to create advanced scanning features. The library provides a basic camera preview, but it lacks customizability. It does come with basic documentation.
Scanbot SDK offers comprehensive documentation, including integration guides, code samples, and example apps to help developers get started quickly. Its Ready-to-use UI components can be integrated with just a few lines of code. Additionally, they are highly customizable.
Maintenance & support
ZXing is in maintenance mode. There is no active development, and no new features are planned. Only minor fixes are made, mostly through community contributions. Its compatibility with newer platforms is declining over time. For instance, it no longer works with Android 14 and will not be updated to support it.
Meanwhile, Scanbot SDK offers ongoing development, including regular updates, new features, and continuous improvements. These are provided at no extra cost. Customers can also rely on an experienced technical support team to assist them with any issues.
Switching to Scanbot SDK from ZXing significantly improved our ability to scan Data Matrix codes. We evaluated several solutions, and the Scanbot SDK provided the perfect blend of performance and value.
Detailed feature comparison
From barcode types to platform support, pricing, and the integration experience: Here’s how Scanbot SDK and ZXing stack up against each other.
Native SDKs
Yes
- Android
- iOS
- Windows (UWP, WinUI 3)
Yes, through ports and wrappers*
- Android: zxing-android-embedded
- iOS: zxingify-objc
- Windows UWP: ZXing.Net
- Windows WinUI 3: ZXing.Net.Maui
* adapted versions of ZXing’s original Java code that bridge its barcode scanning features to other platforms
Note: These ports aren’t officially made by the original developers, so we can’t verify their authorship
Web
Yes
JavaScript + WebAssembly (WASM)
Yes, through ports and wrappers
- JavaScript: zxing-js
- WebAssembly: zxing-wasm
Cross-platform frameworks
Yes
- React Native
- Flutter
- Cordova
- .NET MAUI
- Xamarin & Xamarin.Forms
- Ionic Capacitor
- Compose Multiplatform
Yes
- React Native (Android-only): react-native-zxing
- Flutter: flutter_zxing
- Cordova (archived): phonegap-plugin-barcodescanner
- .NET MAUI: ZXing.Net.Maui
- Xamarin & Xamarin.Forms: ZXing.Net.Mobile
- Ionic Capacitor (archived): barcode-scanner
1D barcodes
Yes
- Codabar
- Code 128
- Code 39
- Code 93
- EAN-8
- EAN-13
- GS1 DataBar
- GS1 DataBar Expanded
- ITF
- UPC-A
- UPC-E
- UPC/EAN Extension
- Code 11
- Code 25
- Code 32
- GS1 DataBar Limited
- GS1-128
- IATA 2 of 5
- Industrial 2 of 5
- MSI Plessey
- PZN
- One-track Pharmacode
- Two-track Pharmacode
Yes
- Codabar
- Code 128
- Code 39
- Code 93
- EAN-8
- EAN-13
- GS1 DataBar
- GS1 DataBar Expanded
- ITF
- UPC-A
- UPC-E
- UPC/EAN Extension
2D barcodes
Yes
- Aztec Code
- Data Matrix Code
- MaxiCode
- PDF417 Code
- QR Code
- GS1 DataBar Composite
- Micro QR Code
- MicroPDF417 Code
- NTIN Code
- rMQR Code
Yes
- Aztec Code
- Data Matrix Code
- MaxiCode
- PDF417 Code
- QR Code
Postal symbologies
Yes
- USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode
- RM4SCC Barcode
- Australia Post 4-State Customer Code
- Japan Post 4-State Customer Code
- KIX
No
Single Scanning
Detect one barcode at a time
Yes
Yes
Batch Scanning
Scan multiple codes in succession within one session
Yes
Yes
Multi Scanning
Capture several barcodes simultaneously from a single camera view
Yes
Yes
Find & Pick
Visually highlight and selectively scan specific barcodes
Yes
No
Scan & Count
Automatically count multiple items
Yes
No
AR Overlay
Display detected barcodes and select them in an augmented reality view
Yes
No
Data parsers
Extract structured information from 1D and 2D barcodes
Yes
- GS1 Application Identifiers
- AAMVA (US Driver’s Licenses)
- HIBC (Health Industry Bar Code)
- Boarding Pass (IATA BCBP)
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Swiss QR Code
- German Medical Certificate (AU)
- vCard (contact information)
- SEPA QR (EPC QR Code)
- German Medication Plan (Medikationsplan)
- ID Cards (PDF417)
Yes
- GS1 Application Identifiers (only GS1 DataBar and GS1 DataBar Expanded)
CCPA and GDPR
Yes
Yes
On-device processing
Yes, 100% offline
Yes
Usage tracking
No, zero tracking
No connection to our or any third-party servers
No
Third-party dependencies
Low risk
Transparent; clearly lists third-party dependencies with version used
Low risk
Transparent; clearly lists third-party dependencies
Pricing and licensing model
Fixed annual license fee
- Custom quote based on your use case and number of app integrations
- Unlimited scanning for one flat annual fee
- All features and future updates included at no extra cost
Check out our Rimi Baltic success story to learn more.
Free and open source
Free trial options
Yes
- 7-day free trial: Self-service trial license, no login/email required
- Extended PoC license: Available upon request
Free from the start
Developers can access the code without any signup
In active development
Yes
Continuous feature additions and improvements
No
ZXing is in maintenance mode
Enterprise support
Yes
Technical support team with years of experience
No
Community support on GitHub
Documentation
Yes
Comprehensive guides and code samples for multiple platforms
Limited
No official documentation, only a GitHub repository
Sample projects & demos
Yes
Offers sample projects for each supported platform, covering all scanning modules
Limited
Available for most targets, but not all
Pre-built UI components
Yes
Configurable Ready-to-Use UI screens for fast integration
Limited
ZXing provides basic UI components for Android
